Background Administration of coronary reperfusion therapy to patients with an
acute myocardial infarction (AMI) within the proper timeframe is essential in
avoiding clinical complications and death. However, the extent of pre-hospital
delay is unexplored in Vietnam. This report aims to describe the duration of
pre-hospital delay of Hanoi residents hospitalized with a first AMI at the
Vietnam National Heart Institute. 
Methods A total of 103 Hanoi residents hospitalized at the largest tertiary care
medical center in the city for first AMI, who have information on prehospital
delay was included in this report.
Results One third of the study sample was women and mean age was 66
years. The mean and median pre-hospital delay duration were 14.9 hours and
4.8 hours, respectively. The proportion of patients who delayed <6 , 6-<12, and
≥ 12 hours were 45%, 13%, and 42%, respectively.
Conclusions Our data shows that a prolonged pre-hospital delay is often
observed in patients with a first AMI in Vietnam. In order to confirm these
findings, a full-scale investigation of all Hanoi residents hospitalized with first
AMI is needed. Increasing public awareness about AMI treatment is vital in
encouraging patients to seek medical care timely after experiencing AMI
symptoms such that received treatment is most effective.